“[Wozniacki] knows the struggles I’ve been through — we text almost every day,” Williams said on court after the match. “Caroline I know you’re going to win one very soon, maybe even in Australia, so I’ve got to go home and get ready for you there.”

“I’m just really excited to be in the final now,” said Williams who led 6-1, 5-1. “In the beginning of the week I definitely wasn’t sure that I would make it this long. Definitely wasn’t sure I’d still be here.”